HUNTSMEN paraded their hounds through a village after icy conditions meant an annual trail hunt could not go ahead.

More than 1,000 people turned out for the North Staffordshire Hunt gathering in Woore yesterday.

Traditionally, the meet is held on Boxing Day but it was moved to yesterday as hunting does not take place on a Sunday.

The meet was the sixth annual Boxing Day gathering since the ban on fox hunting was introduced in February 2005.

But due to the weather, the North Staffordshire huntsmen were only able to parade their hounds because the ground was too frozen for the horses to follow a scented trail hunt.

The conditions, however, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Thirty-three-year-old Tim Warren, from Barlaston, has been master of the hunt for the past five years.

He said: "The crowds cheered and clapped as we paraded.

"Obviously because there is a coalition Government, the abolition of the fox hunting ban has not come about this year but we are still hopeful that one day it will happen.

"Support for fox hunting is as strong as ever and more farmers are allowing us to use their land and more people are turning out to support us.

"Unfortunately this year the roads are too slippery for the horses and the ground is to hard to hunt."

The pack of hounds for the North Staffordshire Hunt are kennelled in Hill Chorlton, near Newcastle.

There are 25 dogs, collectively known as 12 and a half couples, kept under the watchful eye of huntsman David Seels, aged 29.

It is his full time job to care for them.

He said: "The hounds are exercised every day and hunt about twice a week when the weather allows.

"The annual Boxing Day event is important in the social calendar and it's a great way to give something back to the people who support us.

"The hounds love it. They're so friendly and soft as brushes, not at all like the violent image most people have of them."

Hunt supporter Jeremy Tordoff, aged 42, from Newcastle, brought his family to watch the spectacle.

He said: "Hunting is a great countryside tradition which needs to be supported.

"My youngest daughter Tasha loves the dogs. It's a great day out for the family."

Horse owner Annie Dempsy, aged 33, from Bignall End, said: "It's a shame the hunt is not able to ride out as normal this year.

"I always come to support the occasion. It's a proud rural tradition and support for it is stronger than ever."

A collection for the Air Ambulance was held at the event.